Protecting Oregon’s Natural Lands

For generations to come

We are McKenzie River Trust

The McKenzie River Trust is a nonprofit land trust formed in 1989 to protect critical habitats and scenic lands in the McKenzie River basin. Today, o ur service area includes the watersheds of the Long Tom, Upper Willamette, Coast and Middle Forks of the Willamette, Umpqua, Siuslaw, and coastal headlands, rivers, streams, and lakes from Reedsport to Lincoln City.

Throughout our history, we have partnered with caring landowners, our members, foundations, and partner organizations to protect, forever, land and water in western Oregon.

Wear Your Care for Oregon's Lands and Rivers

From upland oak savanna to the rocky intertidal zones of the Oregon Coast, our work connects landscapes and communities.

Now, you can celebrate these special places with a custom designed t-shirt by local artist, Emily Poole! Shirts, mugs and totes are now available for purchase online through a print-to-order system.

Protecting Land and Water

McKenzie River Trust works with willing landowners to protect and care for more than 10,000 acres of land for fish, wildlife, water quality, and the people of Western Oregon.

Connecting people to place

Each year, McKenzie River Trust members, volunteers, business supporters, schools, and community groups give their time and resources to help protect and care for the lands and rivers we cherish in western Oregon.

Restoring natural systems

From the Cascade Mountains to the Oregon coast, McKenzie River Trust works with partners across the region to design and implement large-scale restoration projects for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people of western Oregon. With your help, we’re leaving the land better than we found it.

Sustaining our mission

The work of land trusts is forever work. That’s why we rely on the incredible care of community members like you to help us not only advance, but sustain our mission over time. There are so many ways to get involved. We hope you will join us.

Explore our work by Region

Upper Willamette Watersheds

From upland oak and prairies to wetlands and floodplains, our work across the Upper Willamette ties together unique ecosystems and communities.

Explore

Central Oregon Coast

We work from Lincoln City to Reedsport to protect and care for inland forests, tidal wetlands, and rocky coastlines that make Oregon such an incredible place to call home.

Explore

McKenzie River Watershed

Our home waters and organizational namesake, the McKenzie River is where we began, and where we'll always return to.

Explore

From the field

From Flame to Flower: How Prescribed Fire Supports Wildflower Prairies

Tribes, agencies, and nonprofits are working together to bring prescribed fire back to the landscape. Prescribed fires in spring and fall help restore balance. They limit the spread of invasive plants and reduce the risk of larger, more destructive fires. By supporting prescribed fire, we can help restore these landscapes and ensure wildflowers continue to thrive.

Reflections on Measure 20-373

McKenzie River Trust Executive Director Joe Moll shares his reflections on the proposed “Lane County Watershed Bill of Rights” (Measure 20-373).

Public Notice: McKenzie River Trust Seeks Accreditation Renewal

McKenzie River Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for its third accreditation renewal through the national Land Trust Alliance. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The public is invited to comment through Monday, December 22nd, 2025

Join us on the land

Explore Green Island on the Second Saturday of Each Month

Our Power is Our People

We’re powered by the passionate people who love the natural beauty of our state and want to secure that beauty forever.

Stay Up to Date on News and Events

Dive deeper and join our digital newsletter list today. Our twice-monthly newsletter delivers the stories and opportunities you care about most at a frequency that won’t bog down your inbox. From the latest in land and water conservation to upcoming events, and field notes about Oregon’s beloved plants and animals, our newsletters aim to engage and inspire. We hope you’ll join us.

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McKenzie River Trust

Eugene Office: 725 W 1st Ave, STE B, Eugene, OR 97402
Newport Office: 914 SW Coast Hwy. Newport, OR 97365
Mailing Address: PO Box 1451 Eugene OR 97440

Phone: (541) 345-2799

Email: info@mckenzieriver.org